The Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) is a national research facility that plays a vital role in maintaining the health of livestock, aquaculture species and wildlife in Australia.

Opened in 1985 at a cost of more than A$185 million, the Laboratory is crucial to maintaining Australia's capability to quickly diagnose animal diseases, providing a front line defence against exotic and emerging threats.

This is achieved through ongoing research programs to develop the most sensitive, accurate and timely diagnostic tests, which are critical to the success of any eradication campaign in the event of a disease outbreak.

AAHL also undertakes research to develop new diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatments for endemic animal diseases of national importance, in addition to studying major diseases of livestock, aquaculture animals, and wildlife.

The AAHL facility includes a high biocontainment area that can house a range of animal species up to physical containment level four (PC4), the highest level available. This ensures the Laboratory can fulfil its major role of diagnosing emergency animal disease outbreaks.

It is funded by the Australian Federal Government, via CSIRO and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, in addition to generating revenue from industry organisations and commercial companies.